Department of Politics and International Studies

Introduction to International Relations

Module Code:

153400085

Unit value:

1

Year of study:

Year 1 or Year 2

Taught in:

Full Year

This course is a core course in the BA International Relations and provides a general introduction to the discipline of International Relations and to major themes in world politics. Major theories and approaches to world politics are covered, including Realism, Liberalism, Constructivism, Marxism, Feminism, and Postcolonial and Critical Approaches. Topics to be covered will include issues of war and peace, power, global economy, identities and ideologies, regionalism, foreign policy analysis, global civil society, justice and human rights, international organisations and empire. The course pays particular attention to the relationship between the discipline of International Relations as a field of knowledge and its application and/or relevance to the experience and interests of actors in Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

Objectives and learning outcomes of the module

Knowledge of the major theories and approaches in the discipline of International Relations

Ability to critically evaluate and apply such theories and approaches

Knowledge of major substantive themes in International Relations

Ability to think critically about the relevance of mainstream theories of International Relations and their relevance to experience and interests of actors in Asia, Africa and the Middle East

Basic understanding of the major international and regional institutions in world politics as well as significant developments in world politics